Lockyer believes Milford can lock up No. 6 jersey
MAROONS legend Darren Lockyer says Anthony Milford can wear the Queensland No. 6 jumper for 10 years as Johnathan Thurston backed him to fire in Origin I this Wednesday night.
After two days of uncertainty, Milford now has clarity, with the Broncos sensation officially cleared to make his Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium following the withdrawal of the injured Thurston.
Thurston’s scratching yesterday came just hours before the Maroons had their first training run at Sanctuary Cove, giving Milford the platform to build a rapport with halfback Cooper Cronk.
Cronk rolled his ankle at last year’s corresponding session but this time there were no mishaps. Veteran prop Nate Myles sat out the session, briefly consulting medicos before departing to rest his injured knee.
Milford trained at fiveeighth while utility Michael Morgan ran with the forwards in a clear sign the Broncos ace will start in the series opener.
Milford was later invited to what Cronk termed a “spine meeting” of Queensland’s playmakers, which included hooker Cameron Smith and fullback Darius Boyd.
Lockyer played 20 of his 36 Origin games in the No. 6 jumper and anointed Milford as the long- term successor to Thurston, who will vacate the role at season’s end.
“Milf can be there for a long time,” said the former Maroons skipper. “If he does everything right, he’s young enough, the Queensland No. 6 jumper can be his for the next decade.
“He has an opportunity, the door is open, and it’s up to him now to grab it. Part of the reason Milf was in camp was because he is part of Queensland’s long- term plans.
“It would have been great for Thurston to play, but this is an opportunity for Anthony to learn from the best in Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.”